USF Launches EOI for Empowerment of Artisans through E-Commerce

Artisanal craft represents a fascinating opportunity for the livelihood generation for thousands of producers and micro entrepreneurs across Pakistan, particularly in the rural and peri-urban areas of the country.

Materials, patterns, styles and other techniques are often unique to specific tribes and represent deep cultural affiliations that have been passed through generations, surviving migrations, modernization, conflicts and disasters. Supporting artisanal craft through harnessing the potential of E-commerce is an opportunity to preserve culture, create cohesion and increase the GDP of Pakistan.

At present, there is no local or E-commerce marketplace for individuals or groups of artisans, which provides training, technology enhancement, branding and connectivity to sell their products. Many artisans are talented and well trained in producing crafts, however they are unable to access the internet due to lack of digital literacy and financial constraints and do not have the funds or the know how to create their own e-commerce site.

There is a strong need to create a common platform, which brings together various groups working in different sectors in isolation. Additionally there is a need for a centralized marketplace/platform for unique products sourced from the different regions across Pakistan, giving big voices to little ventures.

By following the competitive bidding process USF, through the Expression Of Interest (EOI), intends to invite EOI from interested applicants (firms, companies or consortium) for the “Empowerment of Artisans Through E-commerce: Designing, Developing, and Managing The Value Chain”.

The interested applicants shall submit required information to USF as per EOI and short listed applicants shall be provided “Request For Proposals (RFP)”. Details can be accessed at https://usf.org.pk/procurements-detail/250.